Police arrest Zambia’s main opposition leader

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Police arrested opposition United Party for National Development President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday on charge of treason after he allegedly refused to give way to President Edgar Lungu's motorcade.

The alleged incident took place in Limulunga, some 19.5 kilometers from Mongu, the provincial capital of Western Zambia, where the president was invited to attend the Kuomboka Ceremony over the weekend.

Jack Mwiimbu, Hichilema’s lawyer, told journalists Tuesday the charges against his client were malicious and politically motivated.

Mwiimbu said his client will prove in court the incident in Limulunga was in fact allegedly caused by the police in connivance with some members of the executives to cause the arrest of Hichilema.

Hichilema was arrested midday after he surrendered himself to police that were on his tail a night long.

Earlier, UPND Secretary-General Steven Katuka told a news conference the party not only feared for Hichilema’s life but also that of his family after sporadic firing of tear gas canisters on his house.

“The police have not allowed medical personnel to access the house where Mr. Hichilema and his family were tear gassed last night to establish their health status. As a party, we are extremely worried,” Katuka said.